Are the pinned models "the best?"

Not in my opinion.
But, we all have one, right.
I like the challenge that goes with finding older ones.
Any one can go out and buy a new one.

I believe the pinning was stopped because the way the barrels were fit onto the frames was changed (I could be wrong). It also saved on some labor costs.

I'd say about half of my S&W revolvers have un-pinned barrels, and they've done OK.

For me, it is more what the pin, or lack thereof, symbolizes. I have no doubt the reason for eliminating barrel pinning was economic -- it saves production cost. Good arguments can be made that the no-pin method is better. Good arguments can be made that the pinned barrels are superior. Take your pick.

But it is in some way satisfying to me that the pin gives proof positive that there used to be just a little bit more of a human touch in the making of a revolver. Somebody had to care, just a little bit more, that things were done right.

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Pisgah

There is no advantage to a non pinned barrel. S&W started using the technique of crush fitting the barrels therefore eliminating the need for the pin. Of course crush fitting eliminates manufacturing steps which in turn makes the production cheaper (not that the cost savings trickled down to the consumer). I like pinned barrels just for the nostalgia of an older gun when the manufacturing process was more hands on and required more skilled workers.

qball has it pretty much right. It was a cost cutting measure, pure and simple. The pin was an extra step that used to be a mark of quality. Dropping it was nothing more than the bean counters demanding less steps/cost in manufacturing.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

As stated pinned barrels (and recessed cylinders) were discontinued in about 1982 as a cost cutting measure, although .22 rimfires continue to be recessed. It's hard to explain, really why we collectors prefer P@R guns. I guess we just like the way things used to be. I know I do, I'm a proud dinosaur. The new revolvers are very good. They just don't "stir the soul" like the old stuff.

Sometimes the old ways are better - and pinning the barrel is a good example of that philosophy. A skilled person had to take the time to see that the barrel was installed correctly - and the pinning ensured that it stayed that way ! Even the the phrase "crush fitting" sounds wrong to me .........

I think the P&R guns were from another time when hand fitted quality was considered the best. As far as shooting, the accuracy of either P&R or crush fit barrels will out-shoot most of us. If they were still made the same way as they were in the 40's - 60's we wouldn't be able to afford them, the labor costs would make them too expensive.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244